When first released a couple of months ago, these cars were the hot topic. People were scrambling to find them, and there was a great debate about how good/bad a product they were. Comparisons to JLs and other diecasts flourished, and the hard to find cars were going for upwards of $20 each on E Bay.

Now, while still not easy to find, they are becoming a bit more common, and last time I looked, they were a BIN at under six bucks. This forum was started and seems to have lulled itself into a relatively quiet state. I posted a complete set of Fords for trade, and didn't get a single response!

The hotly anticipated AMC's have finally started showing up, but at this point, it seems not many Hobby Talkers really care.......

Is there interest in this line still, or has the interest pretty much fizzled out? If so, why, and what might be done to revive interest and purchases of them?

As I said in another post, anything can be a peg warmer if there is enough of it on the shelves. After the initial stocking, I think WM over ordered the second run.

As I said in another post, anything can be a peg warmer if there is enough of it on the shelves. After the initial stocking, I think WM over ordered the second run.

Can't agree with you on this point, not in my geographic area, at least. I would guess that less than 1/3 of all WM's in the area ever received a single order of these, and only two have received a second. (This is easier to substantiate in such a small area as RI). Far from saturated.

I'm still waiting for the 1/60 AMCs to hit my corner of PA...

--rick

Rich, good question. I wonder if since they only released 3 castings to start with, and only 3 colors of each on top of that, it was pretty easy to quickly pick them all up. The average collector maybe needed 8 to 10 weeks, and they had the set.

After the first wave of excitment calmed down, it became business as usual. I guess we will get a better feel for the situation after the next (AMC) wave really starts to hit in mass. We will see if the chatter starts up again.

I question whether the "second stocking" was actually that. After I saw the initial stock, and they all disappeared, it was 2-3 weeks and the pegs were full again. Makes me wonder, if after all the talk on HT about them, these were bought, and then returned when they didn't sell on the bay. I personally know of a few people in this area, that only buy the hottest stuff to sell on the bay for big profit. I am with you in the fact that they were a HOT topic for a while. I saw them before anyone even mentioned them on here but, did not buy any. After all the talk on here, decided to give them a second look, and could not find them anywhere. A few weeks later the pegs were slam full and I was able to get all 3 cars in all 3 colors.

Since the first sight of the AMCs in this area, I have only seen a total of 2 colors of the Gremlin and Pacer. I got 1 of each color. Went back a day or two later, after hearing of people on here looking desperately for them, and the others were gone. Haven't seen any since. I still need the green Pacer and the blue Gremlin. Hoping they show up soon.

I personally am still very much interested in these. As long as they can produce more variety. Sorry for the long reply.

JMHO

JP2

Can't stay hot unless there is a flow of new product, and there hasn't been. I have yet to see an AMC in any scale in my area. The first 3 were hot because they picked 3 cars you don't often see modeled. If they can keep that up for a while, I think the line would do well. But if we only get new items sporadically, then interest wanes and we all go back to buying what we bought before.

I would have to say that I disagree with the "returned" theory, in my area at least. These things weren't to be found around here, and just recently started showing up. So, they couldn't have been "returned". In just a couple of stores that got them in, have they sat for very long on the pegs. And a few stores that quickly sold out, got a second order (you can tell by some of the colors in the releases).

Now the AMC's have shown up in two stores, and they're just sitting there, from what I can see.

On the one hand, the "uniqueness" of a new product, at a good price, in limited availability (no, I'm talking about "distribution", not "production") may have worn off.

Perhaps it was the lack of different castings? Instead of producing more castings, one color at a time, FC took the opposite approach of fewer castings in more colors. Also, would this have worked better with a more popular choice of casting?

Is the problem that they either A) didn't make the existing products available enough to more market areas, or B) didn't widen their market with a quicker release of different castings (a second wave of castings, not just color variations of current castings), or C) both.

Let's not forget that FC are only available at WM. And, as we know, not all WM are carrying FC. I, along with others, am still waiting for the blue Gremlin and green Pacer. From another thread, some guys are still looking for the red Maverick. I think that version came out in the initial wave. I got mine very early on. There are plenty of yellow and white ones.

Speaking only for myself, if another color variation on any current model comes out, I'll probably get it. So, I don't think interest has waned; I think some of us are waiting...... :o
- Mark

In my area, it just seems odd that the "second wave" is warming the pegs, and very few AMCs have even shown up.

Though I have bought all colors of every casting out, I would have rather had more castings in one color per casting. I figure I'll work on a dealership display. :tongue:

And I believe it's answer C that is the problem. If they do not have anything new in the works, it will DIE.

JP2

At the one WM near me they have had many, many of the Ford cherries models, in all colors on the pegs; only a few are still there. But the AMC cars have never appeared here. I went to 3 other WM and they didn't have any FC at all. So they're either selling as fast as they get them in, or distribution is poor and they're just not receiving them. I'm still looking for the AMC cars, I have all the others.

Can't agree with you on this point, not in my geographic area, at least. I would guess that less than 1/3 of all WM's in the area ever received a single order of these, and only two have received a second. (This is easier to substantiate in such a small area as RI). Far from saturated.

Rich, I wasn't talking nation wide, only on a store by store basis. I put fifty Cherries Black Mustangs in one store they are not going to sell and eventually will sit on the pegs.

Finally...the AMC cars hit my WM area. I picked up all the AMC colored ones except for the blue Gremlin and green Pacer, which don't seem to have been released here yet.

I'll just be blunt, I have near zero interest in all they cars they've released so far that I know of, that's why I haven't said much.

I'll just be blunt, I have near zero interest in all they cars they've released so far that I know of, that's why I haven't said much.

Near zero???? That means there's still a flicker of hope???? :lol:

I like them,but I haven't felt the need to collect every color,just the colors I like of the cars I like. Besides,of all the WM stores around me,only one store actually carries the 1/64 scale cars,and nothing bigger than that :(

Near zero???? That means there's still a flicker of hope???? :lol:
Yep, they could always do stuff like...idk...'69 Bosses instead of Mustang II's, '70 Barracudas instead of Pintos, etc...

Yep, they could always do stuff like...idk...'69 Bosses instead of Mustang II's, '70 Barracudas instead of Pintos, etc...

I'd rather see cars that haven't been made or done rarely. There have all ready been made a couple of great 69 Boss 302's and a bunch of 70 Barracudas.

I'd rather see cars that haven't been made or done rarely. There have all ready been made a couple of great 69 Boss 302's and a bunch of 70 Barracudas.
I guess it's different for older guys, yall grew up with these cars(I assume so anyways). I'd like things like Accords and Tauruses, that's what I grew up with, if you want to say I'm grown up now :lol:

You may be right jedimario, I turn 46 in five months. I have to say though that I would love to see someone make some 300ZX's, Supras, and other similar cars.

You may be right jedimario, I turn 46 in five months. I have to say though that I would love to see someone make some 300ZX's, Supras, and other similar cars.
Agreed, especailly the 300ZX. That's about my favorite car that could be had for less than $10,000.

I guess I answered my own question .... before Johnny Jam, I had a set of 13 cars, different colors. Even had a FC box, too! By the time Jam rolled around, I was bored with these (nothing new to keep my interest up) and instead of buying 20 new ones for the Goody Bags, I just gave all mine away and a few extra's. Right after Jam, the blue Gremmie and the green Pacer showed up (finally!), but I didn't even bother picking either up at that point.

Motor Max, you had me, then you lost me. Shame shame.... :rolleyes:

Though I did buy the Green Pacer this past weekend, still haven't seen the Blue Gremlin. Unless they put out something real soon, I don't think I will bother with Fresh Cherries any longer. Have really just completely lost interest in them.

JP2

I think they need to offer more models after al a Pinto is still a Pinto weather its blue green or yellow

I think it's peaked. They really do need to offer some new models in both scales. I think they were unprepared for the reception they got, and even less prepared for the new collectors they addressed.

Some '70s Granadas, Cordobas, LeBarons, Monzas, Sevilles, Cutlasses, Regals, Matadors, and Lincoln Marks will go a long way to remedy the situation.

Well I must say that the Johnny's Car Service board of directors ( our 5 dogs ) do not approve of Fresh Cherries, at least not the 1:16 RC Pacer, They expressed thier displeasure by Attacking it as it cruised around the house, seeking a dog to torment.

3 of them, Bear, Casper, and Blackie, lay in wait, when the oppurtunity presented itself in the form of the car turning turtle, they pounced.
Oh the carnage! Soon all 5 were disemboweling thier yellow tormentor, It was horrible!
Funny as hell is what it was! At least I know not to open the Flashy red Pinto, it's too purty to let 'em eat it. I may pick up another Pacer to renew the torment.

Let me say this, I like Fresh Cherries, I said on the JL board, I see potential for FC to be JL's most formidable adversary(I've always enjoyed any chance to use 'formidable adversary' in a sentence), If FC takes an open door approach with it's customers, listening to feedback and suggestions made by the people dropping coin on thier products, could lead to some fantastic products.

The picture is not all rosy though, Motor Max is responsible for what I feel is the crappiest looking series in current release; the 'American Graffiti' 1:64 series available at Wal Mart right now, IMHO it would be suicidal to even attempt to integrate these very substandard (and ridiculously overpriced) cars into the FC lineup. I would say that this is a concept that no fool would attempt, but JL has already twice integrated clearly inferior RC casting into the JL lineup.

Hey Motor Max! Don't do it!!!

To answer the question, no I don't think the brand has peaked, but I think this lull needs to be QUICKLY dealt with by FC, unless they want to see the brand rot on the tree.

No, don't let 'em eat the Pinto! It'll explode!!

When did it start? :rolleyes: Pegs are stuffed around here with them.

I guess I answered my own question .... before Johnny Jam, I had a set of 13 cars, different colors. Even had a FC box, too! By the time Jam rolled around, I was bored with these (nothing new to keep my interest up) and instead of buying 20 new ones for the Goody Bags, I just gave all mine away and a few extra's. Right after Jam, the blue Gremmie and the green Pacer showed up (finally!), but I didn't even bother picking either up at that point.

Motor Max, you had me, then you lost me. Shame shame.... :rolleyes:

...OK guys...we finaly outlasted that Carnut guy. No everyone ...BACK TO WORK! :wave:

But I do know what you mean....release 6 cars in 2 colors....does not make for a dazeling roll out does it? I like the cars, but I need a little more to hold me much longer.

On the other hand, if we send them all to SS's doge, at least someone will have a great time with them!

I did finally get the blue Gremlin this afternoon. So now, I guess the Fresh Cherries has DIED. :o

JP2

i ALSO HAVE ZERO INTEREST IN ANY OF THE CARS THEY HAVE PUT OUT SO FAR BUT IF THEY CAME OUT WITH A MIRADA,DIPLOMAT,5th ave.,turbo dodges, I`d be trying to get all of the colors in them. Since they picked cars from the 70`s now they need some from the 80`s

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i ALSO HAVE ZERO INTEREST IN ANY OF THE CARS THEY HAVE PUT OUT SO FAR BUT IF THEY CAME OUT WITH A MIRADA,DIPLOMAT,5th ave.,turbo dodges, I`d be trying to get all of the colors in them. Since they picked cars from the 70`s now they need some from the 80`s


I actually liked the first release with the 70s cars, and picked up at least one of each casting, but I agree that the next set should have some 80s cars (definitely a Diplomat!). How about some wagons?!?

They are pretty neat..they were easy to find at my local WM...I'd like to see them do something other than the economy cars, maybe some '70s midsize 'personal luxury' coupes (cars like a '73-77 Grand Prix, '74-76 Cougar, '75 Cordoba, for example) or full-size land yachts (cars like '75 Caprice convertible, '74 Lincoln Mk IV, '74 Thunderbird, '76 Electra 225 coupe, for example)..

If someone from Motormax is reading this thread, please add your two cents. We would really like to hear from you.

I know someone works there, I heard there is tons of new castings coming out this Christmas : Vega, Chevette, Fiero, Matador, Hornet, and believe it or not, a Lebaron Station Wagon...

I know someone works there, I heard there is tons of new castings coming out this Christmas : Vega, Chevette, Fiero, Matador, Hornet, and believe it or not, a Lebaron Station Wagon...

I can't wait! I'll be getting ALL of these.....

I know someone works there, I heard there is tons of new castings coming out this Christmas : Vega, Chevette, Fiero, Matador, Hornet, and believe it or not, a Lebaron Station Wagon...

A++++

I just finished taking apart my blue Gremlin X. I am getting ready to do a pip custom replica of my very first car.

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Please read the TOS


I edit the above post
Thanks to the ones that reported it

I have also heard that an aries/reliant wagon is in the works,but don't really have any proof. There was a posting on another car forum for them looking for one in MI or something.

Yes, I think the Reliant and Aries are coming also. What other cars fit the Cherries line more than these two, and they were never made before by anyone.
How about a faux wood panel station wagon - the one that I always stuck in the back seat of in the 80's family outings.

I know someone works there, I heard there is tons of new castings coming out this Christmas : Vega, Chevette, Fiero, Matador, Hornet, and believe it or not, a Lebaron Station Wagon...

OK, it's December 1st..... is anyone finding any of these yet????

we just got the first release in November after they said May I think, who knows.

I know someone works there, I heard there is tons of new castings coming out this Christmas : Vega, Chevette, Fiero, Matador, Hornet, and believe it or not, a Lebaron Station Wagon...

Anyone have any new info regarding these castings?!?

Dear All:

Perhaps this is happening on my area,but up to now,since they been released,I did not managed to see the AMC's and the Pinto seldom appears as well;mostly the Maverick or Mustang II and that is all.Now I hear that the Gremlins come in X-versions,but,since I did not found any up to now...........

Dear All:

Since they released the Fresh Cherries in 1/87,Model Railroaders are getting these by the bulk and the models are a sell-out in most of the Wal Marts I go;same comments are seen at the Atlas Model Railroaders site.Hence,let's say that Motormax played a right card here.

They sure go do sell fast, I guess because they are cheap and fairly detailed - not a bad deal!